RallyNorth.net

Londonderry soccer star picks Rutgers

Tuesday, September, 25 By Alan Siegel
Staff writer

LONDONDERRY, N.H. | Londonderry's Robbie McLarney spent last Friday night at Yurcak Field, Rutgers' 5,000-seat soccer stadium.

As he watched the Scarlet Knights play Notre Dame, it became clear: This was the place for him. "The atmosphere, I just loved it," he said. "The whole weekend was awesome."

McLarney, the 2006 Eagle-Tribune MVP, has verbally committed to Rutgers. His official visit to the New Jersey campus | the only one he made during his college search | cemented the decision.

McLarney said he will receive a "sizable scholarship" but said he "hasn't sorted it all out" and cannot disclose the exact terms yet. The official signing day for recruits, he said, is in February.

For now, he's in celebration mode.

"It's a really big relief," McLarney said. "I don't really know how to describe it."

The attacking midfielder chose the Big East power over George Washington (his second choice), Old Dominion, Providence, Northeastern and Ohio State.

He will join a program that has had success at the highest levels of college soccer. Under coach Bob Reasso, the Scarlet Knights have made appearances in three NCAA Final Fours (1989, 1990, 1994). From 1996 through 2006, they qualified for the NCAA tournament six times, including last fall, when they fell to Rhode Island in the first round. The program boasts an impressive list of alumni, including former United States national team star and Major League Soccer stalwart Alexi Lalas. At the moment, McLarney has similar aspirations.

"I'd really like to go pro when I graduate," McLarney said. "It's a really good fit for me if that's what I want to do." The 17-year-old has been a sensation since his freshman year at Londonderry. He has 41 career goals (including four so far this year) and was the only New Hampshire player to be named to the 78-member National Soccer Coaches Association All-American team in 2006. He was one of just 13 juniors honored.

McLarney projects as college midfielder, Londonderry coach Shawn Diaz said.

"He's someone that likes to have the ball all the time," Diaz said. "I think playing midfield in college will suit him well."

The fifth-year coach is excited to see what, exactly, McLarney is capable of in the future.

"I'm happy for him," he said. "I think it's great for New Hampshire soccer to see someone get out and play on a big stage."